The Phoenix dates right back to the late eighteenth century but its historic internal character today derives from a late nineteenth century refit - its front arrangement of public bar (originally the 'best smoke room'), side corridor with stand-up lobby, and top-glazed dividing screen, stemming from 1897 designs for John Smith's brewery by Tadcaster architects, Bromet and Thorman.

The Phoenix is the last surviving pub inside the city walls which served the old cattle market, held within Fishergate Bar until 1827. It may have taken its present name from the Phoenix Iron Foundry, which was situated behind Fishergate Postern. In the early part of the nineteenth century the pub was known as the Labour in Vain.

 

The now non-politically correct sign board depicted a woman scrubbing a black boy with a legend underneath:

 

'You may wash him and scrub him from morning to night your labour's in vain, black will never come white.'

 

'You may wash him and scrub him from morning to night your labour's in vain, black will never come white.'

 

Previous Landlord and Landlady

Tim and Val Everton

Tim and Val Everton bought The Phoenix from Marstons Brewery in October 2008.  They undertook a sympathetic restoration, which preserved the historic features of the pub while creating a comfortable environment and relaxing atmosphere.  After almost a year of refurbishment the pub re-opened on 23rd October 2009. 

 

They successfully established The Phoenix as a real ale and jazz pub, winning two awards within the first 12 months.  Sadly, only 17 months later, Tim died from prostate cancer on the 23rd March 2011.

Photographs of The Phoenix Inn and Fishergate Bar

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6:00 - 11:00

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4:30 - 11:00

12:30 - 11:00

2:30 - 11:00